Trout and Salmon

Types of Fish

Fishing Wisconsin

Wisconsin Fish: Identifying Rainbow Trout

Here is some information on the different types of Rainbow Trout found in Wisconsin waters.

Inland Rainbow Trout

Inland Rainbow Trout

Illustration of Inland Rainbow Trout by Virgil Beck.

Inland Rainbow Trout Characteristics

  • Many small spots on body
  • 10 -12 anal rays
  • Square tail with many spots over entire tail in radiating rows
  • White mouth and gums

    • Great Lakes Rainbow Trout

    Great Lakes Rainbow Trout

    Illustration of Great Lakes Rainbow Trout by Virgil Beck.

    Great Lakes Rainbow Trout Characteristics

  • Spots all over tail remain, but rest of body is silver
  • White mouth identifies rainbow (steelhead) from the salmon
    • Last Revised: Tuesday February 05 2008